Embracing Biblical Authority for True Discipleship
Summary
Choosing a church is one of the most significant decisions a believer can make after coming to faith in Christ. The church we join shapes our minds, hearts, relationships, and spiritual growth. It becomes the community where we celebrate life’s milestones, walk through joys and sorrows, and learn about God’s purpose for our lives. While some may think all churches are essentially the same, the reality is that churches differ greatly in doctrine, theology, and practice. These differences matter, and understanding them helps us appreciate our own tradition and the unique calling God has given us.
At West Hill Park Baptist Church, our identity as Baptists is rooted in a set of distinctives, the first and foundational of which is our conviction about the authority of the Bible. This conviction traces back to the Protestant Reformation, when reformers like Martin Luther insisted on “sola scriptura”—Scripture alone—as the ultimate authority for faith and life, over and above church traditions or human reasoning. Baptists have historically affirmed that the Bible is complete, with no new revelations to be added, and that it is sufficient for doctrine, practice, and knowing God.
The Bible’s authority is not just a theoretical idea; it is meant to shape every aspect of our lives. Scripture is God-breathed, inspired, and without error in its original manuscripts. It is the final word, above science, experience, or popular opinion. Our confidence in the Bible’s trustworthiness is foundational to our faith, obedience, and spiritual maturity. Yet, owning many Bibles or knowing scripture intellectually is not enough. The Word must be read for formation, not just information—allowing it to search, convict, and transform us.
Research shows that regular engagement with scripture—at least four times a week—leads to better mental health, stronger relationships, more upright behavior, and a vibrant spiritual life. The difference between a nominal Christian and a growing disciple is not mere profession of faith, but consistent time spent in God’s Word. In a world where authority is often measured by popularity or social media influence, we are called to return to the Bible as our sole rule of faith and practice. Ultimately, the goal is not just to know the Bible, but to let it lead us to Jesus, shaping us into true disciples who live out God’s truth in every area of life.
Key Takeaways
- The authority of the Bible is foundational for Christian faith and practice. It is not just one source among many, but the final word that stands above tradition, experience, and human reasoning. To call the Bible authoritative is to submit every area of life to its teaching, trusting that God’s Word is both complete and sufficient for all we need to know and do. [09:54]
- Reading the Bible is not about accumulating information or winning arguments, but about spiritual formation. When we approach scripture with humility, allowing it to “read us,” it exposes our hearts, convicts us of sin, and calls us to real change. The true test of Bible engagement is not how much we know, but how much we are transformed. [18:36]
- Regular, meaningful engagement with scripture leads to tangible life change. Studies show that those who read the Bible at least four times a week experience better mental health, stronger relationships, more moral behavior, and a deeper spiritual life. The difference between a stagnant and a growing Christian is not in what they profess, but in how consistently they immerse themselves in God’s Word. [20:11]
- In a culture obsessed with influencers and popularity, true authority comes from God’s Word, not from social media followings or viral opinions. The Bible remains our sole rule of faith and practice, and we must resist the temptation to let cultural trends or charismatic personalities shape our beliefs and behaviors. Our lives must be anchored in the unchanging truth of scripture. [23:19]
- Knowing scripture without living it is spiritually dangerous. It is possible to appear outwardly religious while remaining inwardly unchanged. True discipleship means allowing God’s Word to search and transform our hearts, leading us to repentance, reconciliation, and Christlike living. The goal is not just to hear the Word, but to do it, becoming people after God’s own heart. [27:06]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - The Importance of Choosing a Church
[01:31] - Why Churches Differ: Doctrine and Practice
[02:25] - Introducing Baptist Distinctives
[03:42] - The Foundation: Authority of the Bible
[03:58] - A Brief History: Reformation and Sola Scriptura
[06:13] - The Bible is Complete and Sufficient
[08:29] - The Central Theme: Jesus Christ
[08:48] - Wrestling with Authority in Our Generation
[09:54] - The Authority, Inspiration, and Inerrancy of Scripture
[12:34] - Scripture as the Sole Authority for Faith and Practice
[14:37] - The Dangers of Unreliable Sources
[17:28] - Takeaways: Biblical Authority and Literacy
[18:36] - Reading the Bible for Formation
[20:11] - The Transformative Power of Regular Bible Engagement
[23:19] - The Bible vs. Cultural Authority
[27:06] - Living Out the Word: True Discipleship
[30:09] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Authority of the Bible
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### Bible Reading
1. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2. Psalm 139:23-24
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
3. Hebrews 4:12
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the different ways Scripture is useful in the life of a believer?
2. In the sermon, what does it mean when the pastor says the Bible is “God-breathed” or “inspired by God”? [10:12]
3. What does Psalm 139:23-24 show us about the attitude we should have when reading the Bible?
4. The sermon mentions a study about Bible reading habits. What were some of the specific benefits found for those who read the Bible at least four times a week? [20:11]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The pastor says, “To call the Bible authoritative is to say that it holds the final word, not science, not human experience or even human reasoning.” What does this look like in real life when we have to make decisions? [09:54]
2. Why do you think the difference between a “nominal Christian” and a “growing disciple” is not just about what they say they believe, but about how much time they spend in God’s Word? [22:58]
3. The sermon warns that knowing Scripture without living it is spiritually dangerous. Why is it possible to know a lot about the Bible and still not be changed by it? [27:06]
4. How does the idea of letting the Bible “read us” (not just reading for information) challenge the way we usually approach Scripture? [18:36]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared a personal story about being convicted by Matthew 15:18 and needing to apologize to his daughter. Can you think of a time when reading the Bible led you to make a specific change or take action? What happened? [28:13]
2. The sermon says that regular Bible engagement leads to better mental health, stronger relationships, and a more vibrant spiritual life. How often do you read the Bible each week? What would it look like to increase that to at least four times a week? [20:11]
3. In today’s culture, many people look to social media influencers or popular opinions for guidance. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to let culture or personalities shape your beliefs more than the Bible? How can you anchor your life more firmly in Scripture? [23:19]
4. The pastor said, “Read the Bible for formation, not just information.” What is one practical way you can slow down and let God’s Word shape your heart this week? [18:36]
5. The sermon mentioned that it’s possible to appear outwardly religious but remain unchanged inside. Are there areas in your life where you know what the Bible says, but you struggle to live it out? What is one step you can take to move from just hearing to doing? [27:06]
6. The study cited in the sermon found that people who read the Bible regularly are more likely to disciple others. Is there someone in your life you could encourage or read the Bible with this month? What would be your first step? [21:29]
7. The pastor encouraged us to invite God to search our hearts as we read Scripture (Psalm 139:23-24). What is one area you want to ask God to search and change in you as you read the Bible this week? [27:41]
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Closing Thought:
Let’s remember, the goal is not just to know the Bible, but to let it lead us to Jesus and shape us into true disciples who live out God’s truth in every area of life.
Devotional
Day 1: Scripture’s Authority as the Ultimate Standard for Life
The Bible is not merely one voice among many; it is the final and supreme authority that governs every aspect of faith and conduct. This means submitting your beliefs, decisions, and daily actions to the clear teaching of Scripture, trusting that it is complete and sufficient for all spiritual needs. When you recognize the Bible’s authority, you acknowledge that no tradition, experience, or human reasoning can override God’s revealed Word. This foundational conviction shapes how you understand God’s will and live in obedience to Him. [09:54]
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Reflection: In what specific area of your life are you currently resisting submitting to Scripture’s authority? What practical step can you take today to align that area under God’s Word?
Day 2: Encountering Scripture for Heart Transformation, Not Just Knowledge
Reading the Bible is not a task of accumulating facts or winning debates; it is an invitation to be shaped and changed by God’s living Word. When you approach Scripture with humility, you allow it to “read you” — exposing hidden sin, convicting your heart, and calling you to genuine repentance and growth. The true measure of Bible engagement is not how much you know, but how much you are being transformed into Christlikeness. This process requires openness to God’s Spirit and a willingness to let the Word challenge your deepest attitudes and behaviors. [18:36]
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” — Psalm 139:23-24
Reflection: What is one conviction or correction the Holy Spirit might be revealing to you through Scripture today? How can you respond in obedience this week?
Day 3: Consistent Scripture Engagement Produces Visible Life Change
Regular and meaningful time in God’s Word—at least four times a week—has been shown to bring tangible benefits: improved mental health, stronger relationships, moral integrity, and a vibrant spiritual life. The difference between a stagnant believer and a growing disciple is not mere profession but consistent immersion in Scripture. This rhythm of engagement nurtures spiritual maturity and equips you to live out your faith authentically in everyday life. Cultivating this habit requires intentionality and prioritizing God’s Word above distractions and competing voices. [20:11]
“Blessed is the one who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” — Psalm 1:1-2
Reflection: What practical changes can you make to ensure you engage with Scripture at least four times this week? How will you guard this time against distractions?
Day 4: God’s Word as the Sole Anchor Amid Cultural Shifts
In a culture captivated by influencers, popularity, and shifting opinions, true authority is found only in God’s unchanging Word. Social media followings and viral trends cannot replace the Bible as the final rule for faith and practice. Believers are called to resist the temptation to conform their beliefs and behaviors to cultural pressures or charismatic personalities. Instead, anchoring life in Scripture provides stability, clarity, and truth that withstand the ever-changing tides of society. This commitment requires discernment and courage to stand firm on God’s revealed truth. [23:19]
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” — Romans 12:2
Reflection: Identify one cultural influence or popular opinion that challenges your commitment to Scripture’s authority. How can you practically resist this influence and reaffirm your allegiance to God’s Word?
Day 5: Living Out Scripture: The Mark of True Discipleship
Knowing Scripture without living it is spiritually perilous; it can create a facade of religion without inward change. True discipleship means allowing God’s Word to search your heart, lead you to repentance, and shape your character into Christlikeness. The goal is not merely to hear or know the Word but to do it—becoming a person after God’s own heart who reflects His love, holiness, and truth in every area of life. This ongoing transformation requires surrender, accountability, and a daily commitment to obeying God’s commands. [27:06]
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.” — James 1:22-23
Reflection: What is one specific command or truth from Scripture that you have been hesitant to obey? What step can you take today to begin living it out fully?
Quotes
The choice of a church is important because of the impact that that church will have on our minds, our hearts, our relationships, and our spiritual well-being. It is where possibly we will get married, where we will raise our children and grandchildren. It's where we will spend a significant time of our time, our energy, and our resources. It is the community that we will walk with in both the good and the bad times. And it's the place where we will learn about God, his purpose for our lives, and how to grow as Christians. [00:00:28]
The fact that churches believe and teach different things or emphasize certain doctrines over others should be evident in their names. Presbyterians because the idea of a presbyter is important to them. Baptists because the idea of adult baptism is important to us. uh Pentecostals because the idea of the Holy Spirit from the from Pentecost is important to them. Now, they should all be dedicated to exalting the Lord Jesus Christ, but how they go about that mission and what they view as essential to that mission is very different. [00:01:22]
Between churches there are major differences in doctrine that is sets of beliefs, theology, what we teach about God and practice, how they go about living both doctrine and theology. And so over the next eight weeks, we are going to explore what makes us as West Hill Park Baptist Church Baptist, which is conveniently sum summarized for us in the acronym Baptist. This series, Baptist Distinctives and Why they matter, is not an argument for why Baptists are better than anyone else. We are not. Instead, it's an exposition into why we are Baptist, exploring the core Baptist teachings and beliefs from their historical roots and how they still apply to us today. [00:02:07]
The restoration of biblical authority that the reformers sought to uphold could be defined as as Baptists we believe that the Bible is complete. Meaning that there are no new revelations in the form of tongues or prophecy or dreams. 1 Corinthians chapter 13 8-10 I'll read for us from there says love never fails but if there are gifts of prophecy they will but be done away with or some versions say they will come to an end if there are tongues they will cease if there's knowledge it will be done away for we know in part and we prophesy in heart. But when what is perfect finally comes, that which is partial will be done away with. [00:06:13]
So as Baptists have historically affirmed that scripture or the Bible is complete, there is no new revelation by some apostle or prophet or something that needs to be added to scripture. Scripture is complete in its entirety. But also that it is enough. It is enough for doctrine. It is enough for practice and it is enough to know the truths about God who has revealed himself through scripture and through the person of Jesus Christ. Now, there's no book that is more popular in the Bible. In fact, it has always been the number one bestseller for years and counting. [00:07:11]
The Bible is an incomparable book penned over 15 over a 1500 year period by 40 human penmen. All 66 books, two testaments, 1,189 chapters, 31,12 verses, 7837,000 words are all written about one central theme, the work and the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let's talk about the authority, inherency, and the inspiration of scripture. Now, I don't need to remind you. I'm sure you know this very well that our generation wrestles with authority. We use the word authority in both positive and in negative ways. [00:07:59]
To call the Bible authoritative is to is to say that it holds the final word, not science, not human experience or even human reasoning. Scripture always has the final word. 2 Timothy chapter 3 and 16 reads, "All scripture is God breathed." That would be the NIV. Or is breathed out of God, the ESV, or is inspired by God, the New Living Translation, or is Godspirited. That would be the Scott Mcnite version. And continues to say, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. [00:09:54]
The trustworthiness of scripture lies at the foundation in the Christian system of doctrine and is therefore fundamental to the Christian hope and life. Benjamin Warfield's words therefore frame the importance of the doctrine of inherency. And in case you're wondering what that theological term means, the doctrine of inherency asserts that the Bible in its original manuscripts is without error in all its teaching, including those regarding doctrine, morality, and even science. It suggests that the Bible is a perfect reflection of God's will and is free from any factual inaccuracies. [00:11:08]
It anchors the entire Christian system of doctrine or even our assurance of scriptures full truthfulness and complete trustworthiness. In fact, much is at stake with inherency. Our our obedience to God, our faith and practice readily depend on whether we can trust God's word and whether it's God's word at all or it is simply some sacred hearsay. As Baptists, historically, our confidence in the word of God goes far and beyond simply the idea of trustworthiness and even eternality. We also believe that it is the sole authority for our practice and faith. [00:11:54]
Paul did not preach his personal opinion. He reminds Timothy it is his faith and his salvation is rooted in the scriptures. He reminds him that it's the scriptures that pointed Timothy to his need for and acceptance of salvation. also that all scripture that is old testament and new testament is profitable for teaching which is the instruction in what is right. It is profitable for rebuking identifying what things are not right. It is profitable for correcting getting wrong things right. It is profitable for training in righteousness how to keep things right. And it's the only way to be mature. stable and fruitful in every good work. [00:13:44]
In the world of GPS, as in life, it is important that you get your information from a reliable source. God's word is not only reliable, it is the ultimate authority on how to live life purposefully and with a map that's never out ofd. Pay attention where you get your information. Let's talk about some takeaways here that relate to the doctrine of biblical authority. First of all, let's address the issue of biblical literacy. Baptists historically have been known as people of the book. But the scale of biblical literacy today is frightening. [00:17:02]
A lot of us own more than one Bible in our homes, more Bible versions on our phone apps than we will ever be able to read. And yet, the research shows an alarming biblical ineptitude. Let's go back to being people of the book. One very important caution. Don't just read the Bible for information. It's not a novel. A lot of us read the Bible that way. You are not preparing to give a talk or a lecture at a Bible school or win an argument. Read the Bible for formation. In fact, put it differently, let the Bible read you. [00:17:11]
Sit with what you're reading and allow the scriptures that are active, sharper than any two-edged sword to speak to you, to correct you, to rebuke you, to shape you. Hey, and when you read something that you disagree with, guess who is wrong? You ask what does this text mean? How did the people who read or heard this text historically when they first heard it, how did they understand it? What did it mean to them? What is this passage or this text saying to me today? And is what is God asking me through the text I'm reading? [00:18:42]
That is how we read the Bible. Not just so we can memorize or crumb it so that we can go and argue and win an argument. It's one of the issues that I've histo I have personally always had with the apologetics movement is because sometimes you can read the Bible as a way of just winning an argument. I don't know if you have heard of the powerful effect. It's a study that surveyed 40,000 Americans and found little benefit for those who read the Bible. one, two, or three times a week. But here's the difference. They found an exponential jump for those who engaged with scripture at least four times per week. [00:19:29]
Those who read the Bible at least four times a week experienced far much better mental health. Specifically, they found they were found to have 30 less chances of struggling with loneliness. 32% chance less chance of experiencing anger issues. Destructive thoughts were also noticeably less likely for those with good Bible reading habits. better than mental health medication and I for some of us there may be a place for that. Scripture or being immersed in scripture in itself is not just catharic it is healing. Two better relationships. [00:20:25]
People who engage scripture at least four days weekly reported better outcomes in their relationships. They experienced relational experienced relational issues specifically in marriage 40% less than their peers. They were also much less likely to engage in infidelity. Perhaps most significantly, they had a 231% higher odds of discipling others. I thought that was startling. People who read the Bible have better odds of recognizing our shared mandate to be disciplemakers rather than consumers. Better behavior. Number three, those who spent time in the word four days per week or more were also far more likely to live a more moral upright life. [00:21:12]
The study revealed they were 95 59% less likely to view pornography and 50 57% less likely to get drunk. And number four, better spiritual life. People who read the Bible 4 days each week reported a much healthier spiritual life. They were 60% less likely to feel spiritual spiritually stagnant. 228% more likely to share their faith with others and 47% more likely to memorize scripture. Let's face it, you can't memorize what you don't read. A surprising discovery of the study was that the lives of Christians who don't read the Bible most days of the week are statistically similar to those of non-Christians. [00:21:54]
In other words, what matters is not a profession of faith, but time spent in God's word. Let's go back to being people of the book. The book being the Bible. Secondly, the Bible is our sole rule of faith and practice. Today when many appeal to some influencer as the authority on all things about life, it is important to remember that our rule of life is still the Bible. I think this is specifically important in our Tik Tok generation. You are not an authority because you can post a video and collect a million followers. [00:23:02]
Let me say that again. You are not an authority on something simply because you can post a video and collect a million fors. I saw a video of a child giving advice on how to parent. There are even videos of a 5-year-old giving marriage advice. Come on. Five years. You've never been married and you're giving advice on marriage. and they all have lots of views and followers. It's astounding that you can give advice on how to parent when you've barely just come out of your diapers. But that's the craziness of our times. That authority is somehow earned by how many followers you have. [00:23:46]
Since God is the author, the Bible is authoritative, says Robertson McQuicklin. It is absolute in its authority for human thought and behavior as the scripture has said is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. In fact, in the New Testament, it contains more than 200 direct quotations of the Old Testament. In addition, the New Testament has a large and uncertain number of illusions to the Old Testament. New Testament writers following the example of Jesus Christ built their theology on the Old Testament. For Christ and the apostles to quote the Bible was to settle an issue. [00:24:38]
To know what the Bible says and yet never live it is simply futile. I read about a story told by Agnes Lee of someone new who joined their church. The young man, he was quite charming, charismatic, friendly, and looked very sincere. During one prayer meeting, he shared that he was serving as a youth leader back in his home church. He seemed to know the Bible very well. He could quote most scriptures that you and I know. And he shared how important his faith and salvation were to him. He quickly became someone that people opened up to and he was accepted in that small church and was loved immensely. [00:25:27]
A month later it was discovered that this man was actually a fraudster. He wasn't a youth pastor and he had made up stories, borrowed ma money from various church members and he eventually fled with the money that innocent church members had lent him and never returned back to the church. His phone line was canled, lost contact, and nobody ever saw him again. So here's the question. How could a person who knows so much about the Bible turn out to be a fraudster? Well, you've been watching the news. I'm sure you know the answer to that. It is possible. [00:25:47]
Knowing the Bible without godly living, as James says, is like a person who looks at themselves in a mirror and goes away and immediately forgets how they look. If God's word has no impact on the way we live, then we will be no different from those who don't believe. It is possible to act like a Christian outwardly, but inwardly never have heard your heart aligned with God. In fact, have your heart still live in rebellion against God. As I read God's word, I remind myself to invite God to search my heart. [00:26:22]
During a morning devotion I came across the verse in Matthew chapter 15 and verses 18. And it says, "But the things that come out of a person's mouth come out of the heart, and those are the things that defile them." That convicted me. It caused me to reflect on the words I had spoken, and I realized that I had said things to my daughter that did not glorify God and needed to reflect on my self-centered heart and my unkind and insensitive words. I needed to apologize to her and align my heart with God. [00:28:22]
It demanded that I make a corre course course correction. It demanded that I do something. It did not ask me to simply memorize the verse. Simply knowing the Bible is not enough. It's possible to listen to many sermons or even preach and never allow scripture to change your life. Only when I read the Bible with a humble and cotright heart does the word lead me back to God for salvation. God is always ready to forgive no matter how far we have gone astray. First John chapter 1 and verses 9 tells us that. [00:29:03]
And knowing this, we recognize that the word of God is like a gift and effective Bible reading will consistently point us back to God. So let us be doers and not just hearers of the word as James tells us. Let us read our Bible so that we can be men and women after God's own heart, working out our salvation with fear and trembling. And then and just then we may become true disciples of Jesus Christ. [00:29:40]
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